Wiki Loves Philippines Awarding Ceremony

Wiki Loves Philippines grand winners and the Filipino community organizing some of the national photography contests on Wikimedia Commons, a sister project of Wikipedia, gathered on 1 April 2023 in Naga City for the awarding ceremony.

Launched in 2022, the photography competition comprises three Wiki Loves contests to focus on the local textiles and fashion, traditional cuisine, and the build heritage scattered all over the archipelago, respectively.

Raniel Jose Castañeda from Manila was awarded as grand winner in Wiki Loves Fashion in the Philippines contest for his photograph depicting the T'nalak Festival of South Cotabato featuring the colorful traditional textiles of the province known as "the land of the dreamweavers." Castañeda also won the 2021 edition for his photograph of a Butbut old lady from Kalinga, a province known for indigenous tattooing.

Alvin Casitas from Aklan province received the top prize in Wiki Loves Monuments PH for his photograph depicting the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Manila Cathedral, located in the historic walled city of Intramuros.

Jesse Alegre from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur topped in Wiki Loves Food Philippines with his Pinakbet gastronomic photograph. The Ilocano dish which is mixed vegetables sautéed in fish or shrimp sauce is a common delicacy in northern regions of the country.

Finalists and the participants with the most number of quality entries were also recognized during the event. Castañeda received the special prize both in Wiki Loves Fashion and Wiki Loves Monuments Philippines, while John Sherwin Felix was adjudged 2nd place and special prize winner in Wiki Loves Food Philippines.

The awarding ceremony was graced by Naga City Government mayor Hon. Nelson Legacion who also officiated the oath-taking of the new officers of the Philippine Wikimedia Community Inc. In his message, he lauded the efforts and contributions of the organization to the community, and pledged his full support to the group.

Philippine Wikimedia Community president and Wiki Loves Philippines project lead Maffeth Opiana hopes to encourage more contributors of free licensed images about the rich intangible and tangible cultural heritage of the country on Wikimedia Commons. Over all, the competition received around 1,000 entries.

Board Chair Arch. Ian Kenneth Orasa conferred the honorary membership to Irvin Sto. Tomas in recognition of his significant contribution and dedication to the organization as a co-founder and former board chair. In his message, he also extended his heartfelt appreciation to all participants and volunteers as well as to the City Government of Naga.

The winners took home a trophy, certificate, and cash prizes from the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind the world's largest free encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Poster and prizes
Wiki Loves Philippines Winners